Pune’s Paragliding Pioneer Vijay Soni Dies in Midair Mishap Abroad; Leaves Behind Legacy as Mentor to Thousands
Pune’s Paragliding Pioneer Vijay Soni Dies in Midair Mishap Abroad; Leaves Behind Legacy as Mentor to Thousands
Vijay Soni, one of India’s most celebrated paragliders and a beloved instructor from Pune, tragically lost his life in a midair accident in North Macedonia on July 5. The 53-year-old was there to take part in the Flymaster Open competition, but the accident happened during a practice flight just a day before the event officially began.
Back home in Pune, his family waits in grief and pride for the return of his body and the post-mortem report. Known for single-handedly shaping India’s paragliding scene, Soni’s journey started in 1996. He taught thousands of students—including Indian armed forces personnel—through his training centre, Orangelife, in Kamshet near Lonavala, after earlier serving as an instructor at Harley India Para School.
Soni’s career was defined by landmark achievements: a record-setting 64 km cross-country flight in 2000, being the first Indian to win a paramotor competition in 2001, and flying a 100.2 km FAI triangle cross-country in 2009—another national first. He represented India in over 40 international competitions, including 10 elite Category 1 events of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), a feat no other Indian has matched.
He was twice featured in the renowned Cross Country Magazine and listed in the Limca Book of Records. Beyond flying, Soni served as a judge, technical advisor, and event director at numerous national championships, pushing the sport forward—especially in accuracy paragliding, a niche discipline still growing in India.
“He was more than a pilot—he was a mentor, a guide, and a dreamer,” recalled Rajan Juvekar, who trained Soni at the start of his journey. Just days before leaving for Macedonia, Soni had spoken excitedly about one of his students excelling in competitions.
For his daughter, Saloni (29), the loss feels deeply personal yet defined by pride. “My father never flew recklessly. He believed in calculated risk,” she shared. “He always checked his equipment before every flight. He was planning to compete until September to keep his rankings up.”
Even in grief, the family clings to Soni’s spirit. “He would always tell us—‘Whenever you’re in trouble, just smile,’” Saloni added. “That’s what we’re trying to do now.”
Vijay Soni’s untimely death leaves a lasting void—not just as a champion pilot, but as a pioneer, teacher, and inspiration who helped thousands take flight.
